Build Log – Corsair Obsidian 800D Liquid Cooled Dual Loop System

[cjlhFazakas]

Hi guys, I just came across this thread and have read it with fascination. I am looking at a very similar build to Mr Armageddon, same mb, same ram and same processor. I’m very new to water-cooling - i get the principals i think but need a bit of help on choosing right parts, doing things in right order etc.

 

I was wondering if on a build like Mr Armageddon’s its essential to have a dual loop build. See, i don’t have the luxury to remove the bottom hdd bays and install a rad - i need those 3hdd bays so i can fit all 6hdds in the case. So that leaves me with the 120mm fan at the rear and the space for a triple rad at the top right?

 

I certainly want to cool the chipsets, and the cpu just like Mr Armageddon. I’m thinking cpu to chipset to graphics card? Mr Armageddon has the graphics card on a separate loop, but I’m not sure of this is for appearance or performance. I’m not looking to overclock the processor or the ram or gcard - not for the time being so that shouldn’t be a relevant issue i think.

 

I would be looking to use the same components - tubing, reservoir, radiator and pump, barb fittings etc especially since this will let me follow his awesome step by step guide. I am open to using better performing/more costly parts if I have to - i imagine having the graphic card added on will push a lot of heat into that 1 loop, would a more powerful pump help? I adore the XSPC 5.25" Black Reservoir Bay so would ideally keep this. Not sure, if mounting radiator in top of case should i use the HardWare Labs GTX240 or the X-Flow Extreme III?

 

So you can see…it’s not wholly different...right? Just I’m unsure if adding the graphic card to this 1 loop is ok.

 

Oh, one other thing - regarding case cooling, with the top vents taken up by a radiator, that leaves only the rear 120mm intake to bring some cool air into the case right? Will that be adequate?

 

Really appreciate your reading this, Im sure Iv'e said some stupid things up there that reek of newbie-ness - my appologies :o: Thanks in advance for your help and patience

 

EDIT: I just saw elsewhere on this site that the rear and top are meant for exhaust, so I could i think use the rear 140mm for the Black Ice GT Stealth 140 and use this to cool the graphics card and thus have a dual loop system too...right? Inwhich case...everything solved :D as long as you guys think the GT stealth would be ok for cooling a graphics card that is.

[gutcheck]

I have some ideas. How many graphics cards will you have? If only one you could add a 120 rad on the back like I did. If need be you cod have a dual loop with the vid on the 120. Dual loop will for sure give you better performance but if you aren't overclocking ghen you could co everything on the top triple.

[cjlhFazakas]

I have some ideas. How many graphics cards will you have? If only one you could add a 120 rad on the back like I did. If need be you cod have a dual loop with the vid on the 120. Dual loop will for sure give you better performance but if you aren't overclocking ghen you could co everything on the top triple.

 

I think I will only have 1 card, likely the 5970. I guess I'll go for a dual loop system, it does loook nice and if/when i bother with overclocking i wont have to worry about anything :) Now Im just wondering about pumps :)

 

Thanks for the advice, Im glad to hear someone used a rad on the back so i know its possible!

 

Chris

[Mr_Armageddon]

My Scythe Kaze Server fan controller just died on me. Only 1 of the 4 fan controllers is working. Currently bypassing the controller and running all the fans at their max rpm, and I am not liking how loud it is. Temps are great though! :D:

I'm gonna head to MicroCenter this weekend and swap the Kaze Server out for a new one.

 

On a different note... anyone else anxious to see some specs on the Nvidia Fermi cards, and maybe even a release date at CES?

[Mr_Armageddon]

Well, we at least know the card is real now. Check out the link below for more info:

 

NVIDIA Shows off GF100 at CES 2010

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4257228794_f463250c47_o.jpg

 

Looks like the single GPU variant uses a 6-pin and an 8-pin. They have it running the Haven DX11 Benchmark, but what I really want see is some 3DMark numbers or something similar.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4257228840_6a109631ba_o.jpg

 

Hopefully we can get more details at Nvidia's Editor's Day in Las Vegas right after CES 2010. Specs and benchmarks would be nice, along with a release date.

[lordreye]

Hey guys, I finally built out my 800D with liquid cooling, and am super happy with it. Thanks so much to Mr. Armageddon... this is my first water cooled system and I referred to your post and images so many times in putting this together; you helped a ton.

 

I'm not bothering to put my video card on the liquid system until the new nVidia boards come out as I have a nice cooler on my 9800gtx already.

 

I have more plans for it since building it is 1/2 the fun but so far:

 

Basics:

Corsair 800D case (of course)

EVGA x58 LE board

i7 920 oc to 4.2GHz

8 gigs (yes dual channel) of Corsair Dominator

nVidia 9800gtx

Corsair HX 750 PSU

 

Water Cooling:

Koolance CPU-350AT CPU waterblock

EK-FB EVGA X58 LE Full board waterblock

All Bitspower connectors

Bitspower reservoir

PrimoFlex Pro LRT Clear Tubing -1/2in. ID X 3/4in. OD

Swiftech MCP655 pump

Black Ice Stealth GTS 360 Radiator

Feser Triebwerk TK-122 fans x3

PC ICE UV Blue fluid

 

Pics:

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3181/web.jpg?ver=12667131040001

 

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3181/web.jpg?ver=12667131040001

 

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3183/web.jpg?ver=12667131100001

 

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3184/web.jpg?ver=12667131130001

 

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3185/web.jpg?ver=12667131170001

[Yellowbeard]

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3185/web.jpg?ver=12667131170001

 

Looks great so far with the blue theme going. I'm diggin the casters also ::pirate::

[x509]

Hey guys, I finally built out my 800D with liquid cooling, and am super happy with it. Thanks so much to Mr. Armageddon... this is my first water cooled system and I referred to your post and images so many times in putting this together; you helped a ton.

 

 

 

http://gallery.me.com/lordreye/100098/DCP_3185/web.jpg?ver=12667131170001

 

Nice. Very nice. I have a few questions.

 

No rear fan, blowing in?

 

Memory cooling?

 

How do you plan to drain your loop?

 

 

I believe that Mr. Armageddon used wheels under all three sets of feet. You installed wheels only on the ends.

 

So, have you checked to see if the case is "sagging" in the middle?

 

I'm wondering if the motherboard is in effect acting as an extra brace, because it's fastened to the case in multiple locations. :confused:

 

Yellowbeard, what do you think? Is this a recommended configuration? Any guidelines?;):

 

Thanks.

 

x509

[Mr_Armageddon]

Nice build. I like all the blue you have going on there.

 

I'm not bothering to put my video card on the liquid system until the new nVidia boards come out as I have a nice cooler on my 9800gtx already.

 

I hear you on that point. Still patiently waiting for the GTX 480 to be released. Read an article stating that they won't have descent availability until May. My BDay is in May, so it will be easier to justify the purchase of two GTX 480's and accompanying waterblocks.

 

But I am still unsure if I will be going with Nvidia this time around. Rumors are all over the place right now. One source is claiming that the XFX GTX 480 will retail for $680. Another says that it will just barely be faster than an ATI 5870.

 

I have no problem dropping a dime on good PC hardware. My original EVGA 8800 Ultra (that I am still currently using and has been an excellent GFX Card) was around $700 when I purchased it over 2 years ago. But if the performance of this new GTX 480 is only 5% better than the 5870 as the article states, yet demands a $380 price premium, I will definitely pass on Nvidia this go around and throw two 5870's in my GPU loop.

 

Its all "half-truths and gorilla dust" at this point, but I really hope that these rumors turn out to be false, so I can finish my build the way I had intended it.

[lordreye]

Nice. Very nice. I have a few questions.

 

No rear fan, blowing in?

 

Hey good question. I might do this at some point in the future but as it stands I'm running so nice and cool with my pump on speed 2 of 4 and with my fans just barely moving. I think I'm going to actually swap out the mid speed feser fans with the low speed ones.

 

 

Memory cooling?

 

I'm interested in any thoughts anyone has here. I have the Corsair clip on fan cooler but it's friggin loud. I have the RAM running at it's rated speed of 1600... do you think I need cooling?

 

How do you plan to drain your loop?

 

Another good question... this is my first build ever and I have no clue how you should build in a drain. Do you just T off the low point and put a valve on it? I'd love to hear any recommendations on it. As it stands, I'd just pull the tubes off the pump.

 

 

I believe that Mr. Armageddon used wheels under all three sets of feet. You installed wheels only on the ends.

 

So, have you checked to see if the case is "sagging" in the middle?

 

I'm wondering if the motherboard is in effect acting as an extra brace, because it's fastened to the case in multiple locations. :confused:

 

I will check but the 800D is really rigid and strong... I doubt it'll be an issue. I only used two cause they're sold in sets of 2 and I didn't think think it was necessary... but maybe it'll look cool which is good enough reason to add it ;)

 

Yellowbeard, what do you think? Is this a recommended configuration? Any guidelines?;):

 

Thanks.

 

As an addendum, I just bought a UV Cold Cathode tube to make the fluids glow and the Aerocool Touch-2000 fan controller for it... I'll post pics when I've added them. Oh... and the Lian Li CD drive cover... gonna mod it like a guy posted earlier in this thread (and with his helpful instructions, thanks guy!). Dear Corsair: I wish you made a CD cover that looked just like this and fit the 800D!

[lordreye]

Nice build. I like all the blue you have going on there.

 

 

 

I hear you on that point. Still patiently waiting for the GTX 480 to be released. Read an article stating that they won't have descent availability until May. My BDay is in May, so it will be easier to justify the purchase of two GTX 480's and accompanying waterblocks.

 

But I am still unsure if I will be going with Nvidia this time around. Rumors are all over the place right now. One source is claiming that the XFX GTX 480 will retail for $680. Another says that it will just barely be faster than an ATI 5870.

 

I have no problem dropping a dime on good PC hardware. My original EVGA 8800 Ultra (that I am still currently using and has been an excellent GFX Card) was around $700 when I purchased it over 2 years ago. But if the performance of this new GTX 480 is only 5% better than the 5870 as the article states, yet demands a $380 price premium, I will definitely pass on Nvidia this go around and throw two 5870's in my GPU loop.

 

Its all "half-truths and gorilla dust" at this point, but I really hope that these rumors turn out to be false, so I can finish my build the way I had intended it.

 

Good info, thanks Mr. A.... it'll be interesting to see how it pans out. In the first article, the nvidia guy talks about how the entire product lineup won't be fleshed out until May. Hopefully, and I think, logically, the GeForce line will be the first out the chute and the May date is for the CAD boards, mobile, etc. Here's hoping anyway.

[pmclean]

Hey,

Brand new to forum,

 

First all I have to say Thank You to Mr. A. for the awesome build log. I am in the process of buying all the pieces to build a very similar setup.

 

One question;

Do you have an approx. cost for your watercooling setup??

I have put together a shopping cart at one of the online stores and it's all adds up to almost $1600. I live in Canada and most of the parts are not available to me locally. It seems kinda expensive though.

 

Would you say just your water cooling setup cost you over $1000?

 

 

Thanks So Much

 

Great Job!

[lordreye]

Hey,

Brand new to forum,

 

First all I have to say Thank You to Mr. A. for the awesome build log. I am in the process of buying all the pieces to build a very similar setup.

 

One question;

Do you have an approx. cost for your watercooling setup??

I have put together a shopping cart at one of the online stores and it's all adds up to almost $1600. I live in Canada and most of the parts are not available to me locally. It seems kinda expensive though.

 

Would you say just your water cooling setup cost you over $1000?

 

 

Thanks So Much

 

Great Job!

 

I'll look mine up but I think it came in somewhere under $800 for the water cooling parts.

[Mr_Armageddon]

Hey,

Brand new to forum,

 

First all I have to say Thank You to Mr. A. for the awesome build log. I am in the process of buying all the pieces to build a very similar setup.

 

One question;

Do you have an approx. cost for your watercooling setup??

I have put together a shopping cart at one of the online stores and it's all adds up to almost $1600. I live in Canada and most of the parts are not available to me locally. It seems kinda expensive though.

 

Would you say just your water cooling setup cost you over $1000?

 

 

Thanks So Much

 

Great Job!

 

I spent just over $900. The price will vary depending on your GPU Waterblocks.

 

 

[table=head]|Price |Qty|Total

Loop 01 (Blue)||||

Tubing PrimoFlex Pro LRT UV Blue Tubing -3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD (10ft)| 1.85 |10| $18.50

Coolant PrimoChill ICE Non-Conductive Water Cooling Coolant (32 oz.) - UV Blue| 15.00 |1| $15.00

"Reservoir XSPC 5.25"" Black Reservoir Bay w/ Blue LED"| 40.00 |1| $40.00

Pump Swiftech MCP350 12 VDC Pump| 55.00 |1| $55.00

Radiator HardWare Labs X-Flow Extreme III| 66.00 |1| $66.00

CPU Block Swiftech GTZ| 50.00 |1| $50.00

MoBo Block EK-EVGA X58 Classified Full Board Waterblock| 125.00 |1| $125.00

"Bitspower Compression Fitting-ID 3/8"" OD 5/8"" (x2)"| 6.00 |2| $12.00

"Bitspower Barb Fitting-ID 3/8"" (x2)"| 3.00 |2| $6.00

"Bitspower G1/4 Dual Rotary 45-Degree Compression Fitting-ID 3/8"" OD 5/8"" (x4)"| 15.00 |4| $60.00

Bitspower Silver T-Block| 9.00 |1| $9.00

Bitspower Temp Sensor| 12.00 |1| $12.00

Bitspower Male to Male G 1/4 Fitting| 3.50 |1| $3.50

Fans Cooler Master R4 120mm Blue LED Fan R4-L2R-20AC-GP (x2)| 6.00 |3| $18.00

||||

Loop 02 (Green)|||

Tubing PrimoFlex Pro LRT UV Green Tubing -3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD (10ft)| 1.85 |10| $18.50

Coolant PrimoChill ICE Non-Conductive Water Cooling Coolant (32 oz.) - UV Green| 15.00 |1| $15.00

"Reservoir XSPC 5.25"" Black Reservoir Bay w/ Green LED"| 40.00 |1| $40.00

Pump Swiftech MCP350 12 VDC Pump| 55.00 |1| $55.00

Radiator HardWare Labs GTX240| 75.00 |1| $75.00

"Bitspower Compression Fitting-ID 3/8"" OD 5/8"" (x4)"| 6.00 |4| $24.00

"Bitspower Barb Fitting-ID 3/8"" (x2)"| 3.00 |2| $6.00

"Bitspower G1/4 Dual Rotary 45-Degree Compression Fitting-ID 3/8"" OD 5/8"" (x2)"| 15.00 |2| $30.00

Bitspower Silver T-Block| 9.00 |1| $9.00

Bitspower Temp Sensor| 12.00 |1| $12.00

Bitspower Male to Male G 1/4 Fitting| 3.50 |1| $3.50

Fans Cooler Master R4 120mm Blue LED Fan R4-L2R-20AC-GP (x2)| 6.00 |2| $12.00

GPU Block | 135.00 |1| $135.00

 

||Total| $925.00

[/table]

[Wired]

Screw excel, we can has tables wit awr cheezburgers!

 

[Mr_Armageddon]

Screw excel, we can has tables wit awr cheezburgers!

 

Thanks! You are a gentleman and a scholar :D:

[sledgehammer70]

Mr_Armageddon,

 

First off awesome build. I have a few questions though before I drop down and buy my parts.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the reservoir you are using is also part of the loop correct? So you basically have a tank full of fluid that the pump is pulling from? Does that help cool the liquid more overall. Most of the systems I have seen are closed with no extra Res and use a T line of some sort. Just want to make sure I am seeing that correctly.

 

In my build I am going to use the new Apogee XT Extreme CPU block instead of the one you used. Do you think I could get away with using 3/8" barbs off the CPU block or is it smarter to use 4 of the 45 degree compression fittings? The problem I am having is I have only found 2 of the 45 degree fittings in stock... If you know of a place where I can snag 2 more I would be a very happy person.

 

You may have mentioned this before... but what size clamps are you using for the hose to the pump if any? If you are using one can you point out where I might be able to buy it? same with the 6-32 x 3/8" Socket Cap Head Screws for the fans & top rad. ( I know i am asking a ton of basic crap i should be able to find... just want to make sure I have the right stuff)

 

Also for my build I am going to wait on the Fermi cards as well before adding the 2nd loop. The Fermi cards will run very hot overall with their power requirements & I am almost thinking a 3rd loop might be needed if your running 2 cards.

 

Also if I was to by pass the sensors what sort of connection is needed from the Reservoir? Just trying to find ways to drop the overall cost.

 

Outside of that awesome build and sweet look... I planned to get advice on my system overall but I think what you have done & the way it looks will meet all my needs.

[Mr_Armageddon]

Mr_Armageddon,

 

First off awesome build. I have a few questions though before I drop down and buy my parts.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the reservoir you are using is also part of the loop correct? So you basically have a tank full of fluid that the pump is pulling from? Does that help cool the liquid more overall. Most of the systems I have seen are closed with no extra Res and use a T line of some sort. Just want to make sure I am seeing that correctly.

 

In my build I am going to use the new Apogee XT Extreme CPU block instead of the one you used. Do you think I could get away with using 3/8" barbs off the CPU block or is it smarter to use 4 of the 45 degree compression fittings? The problem I am having is I have only found 2 of the 45 degree fittings in stock... If you know of a place where I can snag 2 more I would be a very happy person.

 

You may have mentioned this before... but what size clamps are you using for the hose to the pump if any? If you are using one can you point out where I might be able to buy it? same with the 6-32 x 3/8" Socket Cap Head Screws for the fans & top rad. ( I know i am asking a ton of basic crap i should be able to find... just want to make sure I have the right stuff)

 

Also for my build I am going to wait on the Fermi cards as well before adding the 2nd loop. The Fermi cards will run very hot overall with their power requirements & I am almost thinking a 3rd loop might be needed if your running 2 cards.

 

Also if I was to by pass the sensors what sort of connection is needed from the Reservoir? Just trying to find ways to drop the overall cost.

 

Outside of that awesome build and sweet look... I planned to get advice on my system overall but I think what you have done & the way it looks will meet all my needs.

 

You can use a T-Line as it fills the same role as a Res, I just personally like the Res set up better, and I looks cool.

 

You can use Barbs instead of compression fittings everywhere, I just find compression fittings much easier to work with, especially if they are attached to a rotary fitting. Rotary fittings combined with compressions make draining a system or changing out parts much easier. I can't remember the size of clamps I got, since I bought them from a local auto parts store.

 

I also purchased the socket cap screws locally. I tried getting them online, from a place called nutsandbolts.com but the place sent me the wrong size. So I found a place called Fastenal that had a local location so I didn't have to wait for shipping. They have every kind of faster you can think of, and a website if you want to give them a try.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

 

I too am waiting for the Fermi cards to release for my GPU loop. Even though the Fermi cards are going to hive a high wattage requirement, you shouldn't need a third loop just for the cards. If you have at least a 2x120 Radiator, you should be just fine. I have seen GTX295 in Quad-SLI overclocked on a single loop and the temps were still cooler than with stock cooling. Get a good radiator and you will be fine.

 

If you don't use a temp sensor, any barb or compression fitting can be screwed into the res.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck.

[sledgehammer70]

These are the ones right? - http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=23083&ucst=t

[Mr_Armageddon]

These are the ones right? - http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=23083&ucst=t

 

Yep, those will work for the X-Flow Rad I used on the top of the case. I would also use some rubber washers between the top of the case and the socket head so you don't scratch up the paint, and you won't go too deep into the radiator and bend any cooling fins. The ones I used are about 1/8" thick.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4435847348_c46131ba88.jpg

[sledgehammer70]

1 Last question... the supports I see you added to the case to stop the sag (in the PSU bay / GPU Rad). Did you just jerry-rig some supports?

[Mr_Armageddon]

1 Last question... the supports I see you added to the case to stop the sag (in the PSU bay / GPU Rad). Did you just jerry-rig some supports?

 

I just cut a wooden dowel to size, spray painted it black and it works great. Check out the guide I made for the bottom radiator mod. Others have posted what they did for a work around as well.

[sledgehammer70]

I took the jump today and ordered all the parts needed for the water cooling for 2 loops. The only change I did is I got a slightly bigger pump for the GPU loop along with going 1/2" on the GPU side as well. After hearing about the GTX 480's thermals I wanted to make sure flow was not an issue. It bumped the cost up on the GPU side and dropping the cash for a water block for my current GTX 295 (Not very cheap). But at least it will last me for sometime so I can hold off on the first wave of GTX 480's and wait for the B1 spins which will be cooler running cards.

 

I am going to do the same mod for the 2nd rad in the lower level & that link above gave me a better idea of what I need to do.

 

I do however have 1 more question after I have been going over the venting for the case.

 

I have seen that your lower rad is sucking air from below along with the PSU which is what I figured it would be. Did you use any sort of insulation around the fans and PSU to eliminate any bad flow paths? I picked some up at Home Depot to make sure the fan air is directly being applied to the rad's.

 

Also is your main 140MM or 120MM fan in the top back side exhausting air or push cold air into the system. I am just wondering if the case is going to allow enough cool air to properly cool down the 360 rad up top if that back fan is set as Exhaust air. the below air is going to get warm in the process of moving up.

 

This is what I am thinking you did. Let me know if I am wrong :)

 

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/sledgehammer70/Corsair_Obsidian_800D_02.jpg

[sledgehammer70]

Started with my mod for the 2nd radiator today. Seems to have come out fairly easily.

 

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/sledgehammer70/wet_paint_mod_3_small-1.jpg

 

My cutout was a bit bigger overall as i followed just the outside of the bracket based on the fan layout. I will also use weather stripping to make a nice tight seal. Home Depot had black stripping.

[DBoone]

Hey guys. I've been following this thread very closely. My 800D is en route and some of my other parts are ordered. I'm still trying to decide on a motherboard and CPU among a few other things.

 

Anyway, my question today is where did you get the casters?